StreetFilms Grades New Yorkers' Bike Locking Abilities
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA 
on 04.29.08
We’ve already seen plenty of video footage of bike thieves at work, both real and fake. But how about some footage on how to stop thieves in their tracks? Of course, our beloved StreetFilms have come to the rescue once again, updating a hugely popular video they made five years ago in which NYC bike mechanic Hal Ruzal graded New Yorkers’ bike locking abilities. The guy doesn’t pull his punches, but he does dispense plenty of useful bike locking advice in the process - and the improved grades suggest that folks have either learned a thing or two in the intervening years, or Hal has mellowed in his criticisms. Click below the fold for the original episode.
::StreetFilms::via tipster Clarence::
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Wouldn't it be nice if this dopey 40 something hippie trustifarian goon didn't contradict himself? First he says its good that one bike had a hose clamp on the front QR because you'd need that oh so rare flat-head screwdriver to get it off, but then he criticizes others because thieves carry 5mm and other tools to remove stuff.
Ugh. And of course he works at Habitat. My friend ran that place throughout the late 80's early 90's. Total goofball loons running that spot even today.
So, children, why is it that the general public still looks down on cyclists and insurance companies make funny commercials at our expense? Anyone?
Willy.
How about you not air your juvenile classicist "criticism" that has absolutely nothing to do with the posting?
The appearance of the person in question has evidently given you nothing to do except insinuate that oh, if only those people didn't show up and participate in a specific culture or movement, we'd be mainstream! It's uslessly exclusive and nitpicking, not to mention in poor taste.
Either that or you don't even bike at all and have decided on a passive aggresive route for taking potshots at people who do.
We certainly don't need your condescending attitude in the movement, more so than any goofy people who earnestly want to do what they can to help others keep their property from getting stolen. Or even, *gasp* helping poor people get housing!
Is this the same New York that is installing lots of bike racks? Silly me, where I come from, that bike rack looks just like a sign post.
Wouldn't it be nice if...
people weren't so critical and insulting on line.
Instead of insulting "this dopey 40 something hippie trustifarian goon" for contradicting himself, why not just recognize that he accomplishes what he set out to do - increase peoples knowledge of how to secure their bikes and prevent theft.
So, children, why is Willy Bio so critical and angry? And why does he think the general public looks down on cyclists? And why does he think that everyone who puts out a video should look "professional" by his standards? Anyone?
And kudos to Hal for a public service video done in manner that's not too serious and got the message across.
Thanks Hal!
P.S. - I'm laughing as I'm about to hit the "post" button for this comment and the icon actually reads "Post an intelligent and civil comment". Good advice!! ;-)